Stationary drapes are decorative drapes that are added to a window when there is no need to adjust the lighting or privacy of a room. As the name implies, stationary drapes are meant to stay in one place as opposed to open and close on a daily basis. They are often paired with roller shades or Venetian blinds, which serve the practical function of limiting privacy and light at appropriate times of the day.

If you want to add stationary drapes to your home, it is important to choose hanging methods that will maximize the light that enters a room, as you may not be able to open the drapes further to allow sunlight when you need it. Below are five tips for maximizing sunlight when using stationary drapes. 

Hang the Drapes High and Wide 

The first method for maximizing sunlight is to hang your drapes higher and wider than your window. For example, you may start near the ceiling and extend the edge of your drapes one or two feet on either side of your window. This will give you an illusion of a larger window while allowing the full sunlight from the window to stream into the window. However, when doing this, you should make sure that your drapes reach the edge of your windows, so your walls are not visible. Otherwise, the illusion will be shattered. 

Cover the Wall, Not the Window 

If you have several windows next to each other, consider covering the wall between the windows as opposed to covering the windows. Even if you have a single window, you can consider covering the wall on either side of the window as opposed to covering the window itself. A floor to ceiling panel can give a decorative pop while not blocking any of your sunlight. Additionally, this type of decoration can add the illusion of vertical height to a room since there are fewer horizontal lines to break up the height of the room. 

Choose a Style With Less Coverage

When it comes to stationary drapes, there are several styles to choose from. Each style of drapes hangs slightly differently, which means that the drapes will fall over the edges of your window differently than other styles. For example, a goblet pleat will likely cover more of your window than a grommet-style panel. You should try several different types of fabric in different drapery styles before deciding which treatment works best for your entire home. 

Pick a Sheer Fabric 

Not all stationary drapes have to made of thick, ornate fabrics. Instead, you can opt for a light, sheer fabric to allow more diffused light into your room. This will also give your room a light, airy feeling, which can be desirable in a less formal room or in a beach house or another vacation home. 

Adjust the Positioning of Your Ties 

If your drapes are tied into position, adjusting the height of your ties can greatly change the effect of the drapes. For example, raising the height of the ties will make the drapes cover less of the top of the window, increasing sunlight and your view of the outdoors. Alternatively, lowering the position of your ties will allow more of the drapes to fall over the window, limiting your sunlight. 

While adjusting the height of your ties, you should also consider adjusting how tightly they are tied. Tying them more tightly will help keep your drapes pulled away from the window. 

Static drapes can be an excellent design choice. However, before you put them in place, you should consider how much sunlight you want to block and then place the drapes in a way that will achieve the lighting you want. Check out businesses like Budget Blinds Of Coachella Valley for more information about light treatments.